Arm Reduction

An arm reduction is a cosmetic surgery also known as brachioplasty or an arm lift. Patients with heavy upper arms may simply have surplus subcutaneous fat, which can be effectively reduced by liposuction. Sometimes there is no fat, but loose hanging skin. In these cases, an arm reduction to remove the surplus skin is the most suitable treatment.

Find out more about arm reduction surgery by contacting one of our consultants on 020 7901 8500. You can also complete this form to have us respond by phone or email.

Plastic Surgery Options: Arm Reduction

Many people however, suffer from both surplus fat and surplus skin on their arms. In these cases there are three options:

• The first is to treat by liposuction alone.The healing process causes some tightening of the skin, but patients need to be aware that this tightening is only enough to compensate for the amount of fat removed. This is the preferred option for patients who want to avoid the necessary scars associated with arm reduction plastic surgery that requires skin excision.
• The second plastic surgery option for this group is to carry out liposuction combined with skin excision (brachioplasty). SmartLipo MPX and BodyTite both cause extra contraction of the skin for patients looking for smoother tighter arms.
• The third option, which is used for skin tightening only, is Thermage. This radiofrequency technique carried out without anaesthesia and is good for crepe skin.

The mini incisions required to carry out cosmetic surgery with liposuction are usually situated on the back of the elbow and at the fold of the back of the armpit, though on occasions others might be required.
The scars of a brachioplasty are moderately well-hidden, being situated from the armpit down the back of the arm.  However, the scars from this type of arm reduction plastic surgery can remain red or even hypertrophic (temporarily raised) for many months.

After an arm reduction, patients will naturally experience the discomfort of bruising. Two or three days away from work would be adequate; however there is visible bruising for three weeks and the end result of a cosmetic operation like an arm reduction will not be apparent for about three months.
During this time there may be some numbness, lumpiness and tethering of the skin - where the skin was loose before arm reduction surgery, there can be a tendency for the skin to fold differently. The smoothest and best results are achieved when the skin is tightest. One might wish to avoid wearing short sleeves for a few weeks. 

Consultants Performing Arm Reduction Surgery at Cadogan Clinic

• Mr. Jian Farhadi
• Mr. Simon Eccles
• Mr. David Gault
• Mr. Paul Harris
• Mr. Stuart James
• Mr. Niall Kirkpatrick
• Mr. Bryan Mayou
• Mr. Nicholas Parkhouse
• Mr. Adam Searle

For more information about arm reduction in London, or to book a consultation, please call 020 7901 8500 or fill in the form on this website and we will respond to you by email or phone.

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